Ruth 4: 1-6

Boaz is resolved to act upon his instincts and proceeds to gather 10 men as witnesses to ensure the event. He is also trusting God that He will provide a way and the means for this transaction to be legal and binding. He sits on the other side of town and finally meets the closer kinsman/redeemer and explains to him the situation. We never know the identity of the other kinsman but while he is willing to buy the land, he is not eager or willing to take on Naomi and Ruth who come along with the deal. According to the commentary: The man was glad to buy the land, so that it would still belong to Elimelech’s relatives. However, Boaz said that he must also marry Ruth. And he must make her son the owner of the land. He must be the one to give Elimelech an heir. That heir would have a right to Naomi’s land. This changed everything. The man could not risk his own family’s future. He would have to provide for Ruth’s child or children until they became adults. So, he would have less money to give to his other children. And perhaps, when he died, some of his own land would also belong to Ruth’s child. So again, there would be less land for his other children to own. For these reasons, this man gave Boaz his right to the land and to Ruth.

So the die is cast and the way is cleared for Boaz to proceed. The witnesses attest to the legitimacy of the deal to ensure the event.

A long but fruitful weekend. Took off Friday and went up to NH with David to see 4 HIM. It was good to see, catch-up and pray with my dear friends and brothers in Christ.  They are like family and I am truly glad that we went despite the costs (hotel, gas)  and long drive. Saturday was shot since we had the drive back but got some stuff done. Sunday was a long day with me and Jeff doing to cooking for Thanksgiving day lunch at church and heading down here exhausted. Did have the truck go through the paces at the service place and got some necessary but costly work done for our upcoming trip to FL after Christmas. Spoke and prayed with Daniel yesterday evening and it was good to do so.  I am truly praying for him and his testing today and for the Lord's providence over his life and future.

Praise for today: From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Psalm 3:8